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fila

FEE-lahˈfi.la

“fila” means “line” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

line, queue

Also: waiting line
NounfA1
Spain, Argentina
Five brightly colored, stylized people standing one behind the other, forming a clear queue or line.

📝 In Action

Hay una fila muy larga para comprar entradas.

A1

There is a very long line to buy tickets.

Por favor, pónganse en fila antes de entrar al museo.

A2

Please, get in line before entering the museum.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cola (queue (especially common in Spain))

Common Collocations

  • hacer fila – to wait in line/to queue
  • primera fila – front of the line

row

Also: rank
NounfA2
A horizontal arrangement of six identical, brightly colored chairs lined up perfectly side-by-side.

📝 In Action

Nos sentamos en la tercera fila del teatro.

A2

We sat in the third row of the theater.

El agricultor plantó tres filas de maíz.

B1

The farmer planted three rows of corn.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • hilera (row, line (often of trees/objects))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • fila de asientos – row of seats
  • fila india – single file line

Idioms & Expressions

  • en fila india – in single file (one behind the other)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "fila" in Spanish:

line→queue→rank→row→waiting line→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: fila

Question 1 of 2

Which phrase correctly means 'to wait in line' in most of Latin America?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
filete(steak/strip/fillet) — Noun
filamento(filament) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
pilamila
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Old Spanish 'filar', meaning to spin or thread, which itself derives from the Latin 'filum' (thread). This connection explains why 'fila' refers to things arranged like a thread or string.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish (13th century)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: filaFrench: file

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'fila' used for a line drawn on paper?

No, if you mean a drawn straight mark, you should use 'línea'. 'Fila' is reserved for arrangements of people or objects (queues, rows of seats, etc.).

How do I say 'front row'?

You say 'la primera fila'. 'Primera' (first) comes before 'fila' (row).